Ghana travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Ghana’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ghana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ghana High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Ghana, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Ghana.

Applying for a visa

Complete the online visa application form on the Ghana High Commission website and make the online payment.

You need to upload your supporting documents (including a yellow fever certificate) and provide hard copies. Print out the form, add supporting documents and send them by post as directed on the website. The visa processing time is 10 to 15 days.

To get a visa in around 3 days, check if you can use the express service available in person from the Ghana Premium Application Centre in London.

Extending your visa

To extend your stay, take the visa extension form and photos in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) office on Independence Avenue in Accra.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Ghana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ghana guide.

Registering with the authorities

If you live in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana and get a non-citizen Ghana card. You must register all foreign nationals aged 6 years and above in your family who are either:

• permanently resident in Ghana
• resident in Ghana for at least 90 days in any calendar year

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Ghana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Ghana

You must declare all hard currency, using the declaration form provided on arrival. You can bring in up to a maximum Ghanaian cedi equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.

Do not carry more than 10,000 dollars in value in any foreign currency. The Ghanaian authorities can confiscate the entire amount if you are carrying cash of this value or more.

Dual nationality

Ghana recognises dual nationality. Ghanaian-British dual nationals can register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and get a dual nationality card. You can produce this card when entering Ghana to show that you do not need a visa.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ghana.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Resident registration

If you reside in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority of Ghana to get a non-citizen card. This applies to foreign nationals:

• aged 6 and over
• permanently resident in the country
• resident in the country for at least 90 days in any calendar year

National Identification Authority – Republic of Ghana

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).